July 25, 2007

Buyer's Remorse?

Sure, recent decisions by the Supreme Court have had a lot liberal Democrats saying "I told you so," but now it seems even some Republicans may be feeling twinges of regret.

The latest to go public with concerns is the man who may have to done most to shepherd the nominations of Justices Roberts and Alito through the political thicket. Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) wants to look at their confirmation testimony to see if it squares with positions they've taken on the court.

Specter's concerns appear to center on whether Justice Alito and Chief Justice Roberts have respected the doctrine of stare decisis, in manner consistent with their assurances to the Senate during confirmation.

The review is designed to improve the confirmation hearing process, in particular what may be done to goose nominees into giving more substantive answers to questions. In recent years the hearings have largely become a process of avoidance, with nominees seeking to say as little as possible without scuttling their prospects for confirmation. Specter and fellow Judiciary Committee member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) are searching for ways to make the hearings more probative.

Comments

PA voters have buyers remorse voting in "The Specter" (D)(r)-PA. Maybe "Alioto" ( Kennedy speak) can invoke some arcane British law to defend himself, just like "The Specter" This is nothing more than a Control move by the master manipulator himself.